Britain’s decision to leave the European Union puts German Chancellor Angela Merkel at centre stage as the bloc seeks to preserve its unity and win back skeptical voters across the continent.

Merkel stressed that “Germany has a special interest and a special responsibility in European unity succeeding” as she voiced regret Friday at Britain’s departure, citing Europe’s 20th century history of wars. She signalled that she was taking the initiative, inviting her counterparts from France and Italy — the two other largest remaining members — to meet her Monday in Berlin as well as EU President Donald Tusk.